China, Southern and Northern Dynasties period (386-589) / 500s
Tripod Container with Dragon-Head Handle (Zhadou)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Tripod Container with Dragon-Head Handle (Zhadou) as metalwork (China, Southern and Northern Dynasties period (386-589) · 500s).
The tripod is supported by three splayed legs issuing from mouths of lion heads and ending in pawed feet.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this metalwork as bronze.
The museum's collection notes: This dragon, winged chimera ( CMA 1980.184 ), and grotesque monster's face ( CMA 1930.731 ) exhibit uninhibited imagination in the representation of fantastic animals--all are full of energy, vigor, and magical power. Whether as purely sculptural forms or decorative elements of utilitarian vessels, they are characterized by a sensitive modeling of dynamic forms with the typical Chinese elegance of line.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtTripod Container with Dragon-Head Handle (Zhadou)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.